Since ChatGPT began displaying sources and linking to websites, it has become a place for finding businesses, services, and recommendations. Web experts like Wil
Reynolds have reported first traffic and steady increase in clicks from ChatGPT, with some business owners sharing success stories of receiving leads and sales directly through the platform.

In fact, Gartner recently predicted a 25% decline in Google searches in 2026, suggesting a potential shift toward AI search platforms like ChatGPT.

Businesses must prepare to position their brand, website, products, and services to be easily discovered and recommended by AI platforms. Here we share how ChatGPT works, its data sources, and how businesses can adapt to rank better.

How ChatGPT Learns and Recommends

ChatGPT is trained using extensive data sources like books, websites, reviews, and social media and more. While OpenAI hasn’t disclosed specific retraining schedules, its updates increasingly incorporate information from current web content updates, media outlets, social media, review platforms, press releases, and third-party websites. This means businesses need to adapt and integrate their marketing, PR, and SEO strategies to ensure their content and online presence align with ChatGPT’s learning patterns.

Here Are 10 Factors to Rank Your Website Better on ChatGPT

The first factor is enhancing the content on your website. You should create a clear and detailed About Us page, along with a detailed company history, mission statement, and accurate descriptions of your products and services. Make sure all sections, including services, resources, and press releases, provide thorough and well organized information for website visitors and AI bots.

Improving your web visibility is the second factor. ChatGPT scans external websites and social media for mentions of your business, so securing backlinks and ensuring positive discussions about your brand on third-party sites can significantly boost your visibility and credibility. Remember, the main difference between SEO and AI search optimization, it’s not about backlinks but what the source is saying about your business.

The third factor is focusing on reviews and ratings. Maintaining positive reviews on platforms like Yelp, TrustPilot, BBB and others helps establish trust. Depending on your niche, you should also focus on specialized review platforms like Capterra. or G2 for software, Amazon or Walmart for retail, or TripAdvisor for hospitality etc. Addressing negative reviews is critical since ChatGPT often includes both pros and cons when recommending businesses.

The fourth factor is leveraging press releases. ChatGPT frequently references them, so publishing press releases on your website and distributing them through platforms like PRWeb and PRNewswire can increase your brand’s visibility and better rankings on AI platforms.

The fifth factor is inclusion in listicles. Collaborate with reputable publishers to ensure your business is featured in “best of” lists or award articles. These types of articles are commonly cited by ChatGPT when providing recommendations.

Highlighting awards and recognition is the sixth factor. Any certifications, industry awards, or achievements your business has earned should be showcased, as these accolades can enhance your credibility in ChatGPT’s recommendations and search results.

The seventh factor is managing your online reputation. Maintaining a favorable presence across review sites, media outlets, and publications is essential. Investing in public relations and reputation management ensures your brand remains positively positioned across various channels.

The eighth factor is leveraging client feedback. Featuring endorsements or testimonials from well-known clients or trusted industry professionals demonstrates the value of your products or services and adds to your credibility on AI platforms.

The ninth factor is targeting specific niches, locations, and categories. If your business serves multiple areas or specializes in unique services, ensure this information is clearly communicated on your website. For example, a law firm with offices in several cities should emphasize each location to capture localized searches. People ask on ChatGPT “What is the best law firm in NY?” and you want to make sure your office appear like in example below.

Finally, the tenth factor is utilizing directories and certifications. Appearances in chambers of commerce, government databases, or certification listings can establish your credibility and help ChatGPT recognize your business as a trusted resource.

The New Era of Web Traffic

Optimizing for ChatGPT combines elements of traditional SEO, public relations, review management, and reputation management.

RetainTrust AI Search Optimization Service

RetainTrust specializes in optimizing your brand’s presence across ChatGPT and AI-powered search and recommendation platforms. With our help, you can reach billions of users who rely on AI to find answers, services, and products.

With over 20 years of expertise in traditional and digital advertising, we’ve seamlessly integrated our knowledge into emerging AI technologies. Our team combines a deep understanding of advertising principles with insights into AI algorithms to deliver cutting-edge optimization solutions for businesses.

Contact us today for a free quote and discover how we can elevate your visibility on ChatGPT and other AI platforms.